Friday, September 30, 2016

Israel's last founding father Shimon Peres is laid to rest

Israel's last founding father, the internationally respected former president, prime minister, and the Jewish state's most respected elder statesman is laid to rest on Friday. Dignitaries from around the globe, including presidents, prime ministers and royalty, have come to bid farewell to the eternal optimist who always looked to a better future.

J. S. Herzog|Published: 30.09.16 , 07:59

Israel's former president, three-time prime minister, vice prime minister, three-time minister of foreign affairs, two-time minister of defense, minister of finance, minister of transportation, minister for the development of the Negev, Galilee and regional economy, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, US Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, US Congressional Gold Medalist and honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, Shimon Peres, is being laid to rest on Friday after dying early on Wednesday morning.

Shimon Peres, Israel's elder statesman par excellence, died at the age of 93 after suffering a stroke a fortnight previously. Thursday, his body lied in statebefore the Knesset where hundreds of thousands filed past to pay their last respects, including former US President Bill Clinton.

Peres's casket left the Knesset for Mount Herzl at 8:30am.

World leaders and other dignitaries and foreign delegations will arrive at the funeral at 9am.